Library Commission Minutes - August 7, 2001

Minutes of the regular meeting of Tuesday, August 7, 2001 (As amended approved September 4, 2001)
The San Francisco Public Library Commission held its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 7, 2001 in the Koret Auditorium, Main Library.
The meeting was called to order at 4: 09PM by Commissioner Steven Coulter.
The following members were noted present: Commissioners Bautista, Coulter, Streets, and Swig.
The Secretary noted that President Higueras, Vice President Steiman, and Commissioner Chin were excused attendance.
AGENDA ITEM #1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF June 28, 2001 SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING
Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF June 28, 2001 SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING
An anonymous member of the public observed that the Minutes were fairly good but noted that the entire meeting had not been recorded on the audio tape nor were public comment summary statements submitted by members of the public posted on the library's website. This individual remarked that that they had identified themselves as "hardly anyone" instead of as an anonymous citizen in response to remarks by a Commissioner. Mr. Peter Warfield found that these Minutes were good in some respects but pointed out a p.8 comment concerning potential toxic substances on some of the sites attributed to him that Mr. Warfield felt would be more accurately reported as his having asked Mr. Dunn a direct question concerning specifically how his Department proposed to respond to this issue.
Commission comment on AGENDA ITEM #1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 28, 2001 SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING
In response to a question by Commissioner Swig, the Commission Secretary proposed to cross check the letter designations for the various site references to make sure each reference referred to the correct site. At the request of Commissioner Coulter, the Commission Secretary noted that the Minutes would be amended to reflect Mr. Warfield's requested change.
MOTION: by Commissioner Bautista, seconded by Commissioner Swig for approval of the June 28, 2001 Minutes as amended.
ACTION: AYE 4-0 (Bautista, Coulter, Streets, and Swig)
Commissioner Coulter announced that the Commission would take up Item # 6 BRANCH SITE SELECTION REPORT at 5:30pm in accordance with an announcement of the meeting which had been distributed to the community.
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AGENDA ITEM #2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF July 3, 2001 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF July 3, 2001 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
An anonymous member of the public had more serious concerns with these Minutes and repeated his observation that the entire meeting was not recorded on the audio tape nor were public comment summary statements submitted by members of the public posted on the library's website. This individual also observed that a grammatically incorrect comment attributed to the anonymous member of the public in the June 3rd Minutes referring to "digging their own grave" was not what this individual had said and decried it as another example of increasing illiteracy and not explained in such a way as to be understandable. The anonymous member of the public additionally commented on the Commission Secretary's comment that efforts were underway to make possible the posting of Public Comment Summary Statement noting that despite extensive digitization by the Library these documents were still not available. This person additionally noted that a Public Comment statement discussing this person's remarks related to equal treatment as exemplified by an observation that this person might be dragged out in handcuffs if they conducted themselves as the Commissioners did. Additionally this person said that this comment as well as comments related to John Lennon's "bang, bang, Maxwell's Silver Hammer" were omitted from the reported public comment and the point of these observations was misstated in the final sentence. Mr. Peter Warfield said his first page comments should read that there was a lack of "stated objectives" rather than the softer term "focus" on creating more space for books in the new branch library plans. Mr. Warfield also noted that on p.6 he also requested that his comments on the new rules report that "some" rather than all of the new rules were too vague.
Commission comment on AGENDA ITEM #2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 3, 2001 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
The Commission Secretary corrected a reference to Commissioner Streets being absent from the July 3rd meeting, noting that she had attended and corrections would be made to accurately reflect her votes at the meeting where they had not been reported.
MOTION: by Bautista and Commissioner Swig for approval of the July 3, 2001 Minutes as amended.
ACTION: AYE 4-0 (Bautista, Coulter, Streets, and Swig)
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AGENDA ITEM #3 CITY LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
City Librarian Susan Hildreth gave the Commissioners an overview of recent branch library renovation projects; reporting that the Anza Branch, currently closed, had received major electrical and other infrastructure improvements and was expected to re-open in September. Ms. Hildreth also reported that a new roof was being provided for the West Portal Branch as well as that draft electrical design work was underway for both the West Portal and Golden Gate Valley Branches. The City Librarian commented on restoration projects for the windows at the Sunset, Park, and Presidio Branches as well as on the installation of alarms at the Sunset Branch Library. Ms. Hildreth then reported on the air conditioning work at the Chinatown branch as well as efforts to repair leaks there. The City librarian then discussed roof work planned for the Bayview-Wadden Branch that would require that it close from Aug. 20 through Sept. 6 to complete the work.
Ms. Hildreth reported the annual circulation statistics as 5,438,451, pointing out that the most recent numbers reflected a return to the circulation levels experienced in 1996-97 during the first years of both the opening of the new Main Library and the expansion of public service hours under Prop. E (Library Preservation Fund). The City Librarian noted that the current circulation statistics seem to reflect a stabilization of library use at this level.
Ms. Hildreth then discussed at some length various improvements in the web catalog noting that many of these improvements were the result of both staff and patron comments. In particular, the City Librarian highlighted several improved search features now available in the web catalog, including quick "keyword" searches, links to newspapers and periodicals, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), and improved Boolean Search capabilities through use of the words and , or , not. Ms. Hildreth also noted that book cover page and summary links were available for some searches through the new upgrade. The City Librarian reported that the improved web catalog would be available to the public in mid-August.
Next, the City Librarian announced that after an extensive and competitive search process she had appointed veteran Library staff member Ms. Kathy Lawhun, Chief of the Main Library. The City Librarian then discussed various projects related to recommendations included in the Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) of the Main Library. Ms. Hildreth noted that she would bring to the Commission for its consideration proposals to address the issues of repairing damaged table surfaces and the proposed re-configuration of the Grove Street entry area. Ms. Hildreth also reported that a request for proposals (RFP) would be issued to address the signage and audio visual systems problems identified in the POE. The City Librarian also mentioned the First Floor Task Force, a staff working group, that had been considering improvements to the first floor areas would be reactivated under Ms. Lawhun's leadership and that various architectural schemes to resolve identified problems would be considered. Ms. Hildreth then discussed her efforts with the Department of Real Estate to identify potential locations for the Library's Tech Services Department noting that, should it be relocated, significant space would become available on the first floor for more public services activities as called for in the POE.
Finally the City Librarian announced that the latest draft of the Library's Strategic Plan was posted on the library website for public review and that a special meeting of the Commission would be scheduled to discuss it and take additional public comment before its adoption.
Public comment on Agenda Item #3 CITY LIBRARIAN'S REPORT:
An anonymous member of the public expressed interest in the various branch library renovations projects wondering at the sources of funding for these projects and reminding the Commission that the Library's operating funds must be jealously watched. This anonymous member of the public further commented on the reported circulation statistics, criticizing the fact that there was no written report on them and questioning why the Library was only now returning to the levels of circulation reached in previous years. This individual commented that the Commissioners should want to be able to answer these questions. Mr. Peter Warfield was glad to learn about the new circulation statistics but noted he would have preferred to have a written report on them. Mr. Warfield commented that the web version of the online catalog had gone backwards losing features which had been available on the dumb terminals and that the new improvements merely returned services to the level that had been previously available. Mr. Warfield expressed concern at the proposal to relocate Tech Services away from the Main Library, decrying this as removal of a key department when the POE had recommended several other Main Library activities be located elsewhere instead.
Commission comment on Agenda Item #3 CITY LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
In response to questions by Commissioner Streets, the City Librarian described how the various branch library improvements were to be funded and in particular emphasized that every consideration was being given to dovetailing these proposed improvement projects with the planning for the major renovations planned for the branch library bond program. Ms. Hildreth additionally described how the various supplemental appropriations requests funded projects such as the air conditioning project for the Chinatown Branch Library. Ms. Hildreth proposed to report to the Commission concerning how the various budget expenditures outlined in the 2000/2001 Library Budget had been carried out. In response to a question by Commissioner Bautista, the City Librarian discussed in some detail the "good news" in the reported circulation statistics. Ms. Hildreth reported on the favorable impact of the library's making available more audio visual materials, materials in non-English languages, and the long term impact on circulation of both the opening of the new Main Library and the increased public service hours allowed by the adoption of Prop. E (Library Preservation Fund). Commissioner Coulter pointed out that these increased circulation statistics were merely part of the greater picture of significant increases in research visits to the library as well as thousands of web hits visiting and using library resources online. Ms. Hildreth observed that there were more than 800,000 electronic hits on the library's databases and that staff was looking into ways to document both in library use of materials as well as electronic and virtual library use. In addition the City Librarian pointed to the extensive programming offered at both the Main Library and in the branches which were used by thousands of patrons. Ms. Hildreth pointed to the numerous special interest adult and extensive teen and children's programs calling attention to a virtual renaissance of programs offer by the Library since the opening of the new Main Library in 1996. Commissioner Bautista suggested that exhibits such as the "New Main to the New Millennium" be recorded for the library's own archival purposes.
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AGENDA ITEM #4 BRANCH LIBRARY BOND UPDATE
Library Branch Improvement Bond Program Manager Marilyn Thompson reported on ongoing activities in the Bond Program for the Commissioners highlighting three areas: financing, site acquisition, and initial design and engineering. Ms. Thompson noted the June 20th first bond sale of $17.665 million. Ms. Thompson reported that the Board of Supervisors was expected to approve appropriation of these funds before the end of August. The Branch Bond Project Manager reported that they were to be applied to site acquisitions for the Glen Park, Visitacion Valley, Ingleside, and Portola Branch Libraries and the design/engineering costs for the first seven projects: Marina, Noe Valley, Parkside, Richmond, Mission Bay, Visitacion Valley, and the Library Support Center.
Regarding the Mission Bay Branch Library, Ms. Thompson commented on the ongoing discussions with the Redevelopment Agency concerning the 4th and Berry Streets proposed location for an 8,000 sq. ft. facility on a condominium parcel jointly to be shared with a senior housing development. Ms. Thompson reported that discussions with the Redevelopment Agency and the developer of this project were ongoing and that there would be a further report on details of the agreement in September.
Describing Library's efforts to obtain Prop. 14 State Library Construction and Improvement Bond funds to supplement the Branch Library Bond Program; Ms. Thompson discussed in some detail how she proposed to proceed through the initial application process, discussed the selection of a library building consultant, and described the commissioning of "as built" plans for projects in the 1st and 2nd stages of the Branch Bond Program. Ms, Thompson concluded with a discussion of how the proposed Branch Facilities Plan set for a Commission discussion at its September meeting fit into the overall planning efforts for bond program projects.
Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #4
An anonymous member of the public offered a word of caution concerning seeking Prop. 14 State Library Bond funds noting that they were intended to foster strong ties between libraries and educational institutions and that public libraries had a distinct role and served very different purposes and goals from schools. This individual also pointed out that there had been no discussion of Prop. 14 funds in the community meetings where the various branch renovation projects had been discussed.
Commission comment on AGENDA ITEM #4 BRANCH LIBRARY BOND UPDATE
In response to a question by Commissioner Bautista, Ms. Thompson discussed in more detail how the Library was working with the designers for Mercy Housing, the developer of the mixed use Mission Bay project to include the specific design details in the shell facility that the Library would receive. In response to a question by Commissioner Streets, the City Librarian discussed in some detail the funding available for the relocation of the Tech Services Department. She noted that the funds were available through Prop. A Branch Library Construction and Improvement Bond funds and noted that the POE had strongly recommended that Tech Services be relocated to another location to free maximum space in the 1st Floor of the Main Library for more public service activities. Ms. Hildreth then commented extensively on the importance of obtaining Prop. 14 State Library Bond funds to supplement local branch library bond money in order to have sufficient funds to complete all of the proposed projects. The City Librarian in particular highlighted the importance of these funds for projects such as the expansion and renovation of the Richmond Branch Library, identified as the single most costly project in the entire branch bond program. She noted that it could be the case that the Library might make application for Prop. 14 State Library Bond funds for all of the proposed new construction projects as they seemed more likely to be able to meet the various qualification thresholds expected to be included in the Prop. 14 regulations.
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Agenda Item #5 PATRON CONDUCT POLICY
The City Librarian introduced discussion of a revised Patron Conduct Policy, Guidelines for Library Use. Ms. Hildreth introduced Library Security Chief Rachel MacLachlan who discussed in detail library meetings with various interested parties to in particular address concerns which had been raised by Ms. Mizner of the Mayor's Office on Disability. The Library Security Chief described the various changes and clarifications included in the revised draft. Ms. Marti Goddard, Library Access Services Coordinator noted that the revised draft guidelines reflected fully the needs raised in the Americans with Disabilities Act and related laws and that useful discussions with Ms. Mizner had led to valuable revisions in the proposed rules. Ms. MacLachlan emphasized how important it was for both library patrons and staff that the rules be clear and assured the Commissioners that her staff was determined to insure that they were applied fairly and impartially. Ms. MacLachlan noted that she believed that new language included in this revised draft specifically addressed and resolved the concerns that some of the rules might be perceived as insensitive to disabled individuals. The Library Security Chief requested that the Commissioners approve the proposed new rules.
Public comment on Agenda Item #4 PATRON CONDUCT POLICY
Ms. Dauphine Brody, an outreach worker for the St. James Infirmary and a formerly homeless person, expressed her grave concerns that the proposed new guidelines could be selectively enforced. Ms. Brody feared that these rules would be used to criminalize poverty and deprive homeless individuals of use of the library. An anonymous member of the public found the proposed new rules vague and subjective and that these concerns had not been addressed by the revisions. This person cited a story about a semi-literate building doorman attributed to former Library Commissioner Mary Louise Stong, as a reason to eliminate the proposed restrictions on some adult access to children's centers in the libraries. This anonymous member of the public expressed some skepticism that library security would be able to overcome their personal likes and dislikes and enforce the guidelines fairly. Mr. Peter Warfield was disappointed with what he found to be little or no changes beyond some cosmetic changes to the proposed new guidelines. Mr. Warfield questioned how these rules would be enforced and again commented on what he found to be overly harsh penalties. Mr. Warfield asked what violations would merit suspension of library privileges and expressed concern that the concerns of the disabled had not been fully addressed in the revisions. Mr. Warfield noted the revised rules remained open to subjective enforcement.
Commission comment on Agenda Item #4
In response to a question by Commissioner Streets, Deputy City Attorney Adine Varah explained why the guidelines were changed to address the issues of harassing and threatening behavior instead of simply forbidding use of profanity, which could raise constitutional questions regarding government regulation of the content of speech. Ms. Varah noted that these guidelines were designed to regulate conduct and were consistent with applicable laws and constitutional requirements. Commissioner Swig noted that it was a really great challenge to create effective rules and that there were always exceptions to the rules that needed to be considered. She found the rules much improved but questioned if they did fully address the concerns raised by Ms. Mizner. Library Security Chief Rachel MacLachlan explained the specific changes and cited the new guideline that encouraged disabled individuals to make their special needs known to staff so that exceptions to these rules could be made to accommodate their special needs. There followed an extensive discussion of these issues among the Commissioners, with Commissioner Coulter pointing out that approval of these rules would require agreement of all four Commissioners present. Commissioner Bautista expressed satisfaction with the revised rules and suggested that they be approved. Commissioner Swig after reviewing the new section cited by Ms. MacLachlan agreed that it did indeed address her concerns and that she was prepared to vote in support of the new guidelines.
MOTION: by Commissioner Bautista, seconded by Commissioner Swig for adoption of the new patron conduct rules, Guidelines for Library Use.
ACTION: AYE 4-0 (Bautista, Coulter, Streets, and Swig)
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Agenda item #5 BRANCH LIBRARY SITE SELECTION REPORT
The City Librarian introduced Mr. Charlie Dunn of the Department of Administrative Services, Real Estate Division who gave the Commissioners an overview of the preliminary site selection recommendations for a replacement location for the Portola and Ingleside branch Libraries. Mr. Dunn began with a detailed presentation of his recommendations for possible new sites for the Portola branch Library. Mr. Dunn noted that these recommendations had been largely shaped by the comments heard at community meeting held in the neighborhood and from library staff input. Mr. Dunn noted that although the existing branch library location at 2450-60 San Bruno Avenue was not included in the recommendations he requested that the Commissioners authorize him to look into its potential use as well. He reported that it offered the opportunity for an up to 10,000 sq. ft.facility on the site of the existing building and its adjoining small commercial spaces. He noted community concerns with the loss of library services during construction of a replacement facility and worries concerning too much traffic on that corner posing a potential hazard for library users as the reasons that neighborhood residents mentioned for not including that site among the recommendations.
Mr. Dunn identified Site A as 2574 San Bruno Avenue, currently the location of the Boys and Girls Club, as potentially a good location for a joint venture between the Library and the Boys and Girls Club which could benefit both as well as the Community. He expressed confidence that a facility could be built that could contain the potential noise problems associated with a youth recreation facility and accommodate the needs of branch library patrons as well.
Mr. Dunn then identified Site B as 2660-2670 San Bruno Avenue, the location of an existing Round Table Pizza Shop as the next likely location. Existing commercial buildings that could be replaced by a new branch library facility occupied this site he pointed out. He further commented that this location enjoyed some community support.
Ms. Hildreth then discussed a new possible location that had been only very preliminarily discussed, a possible site on the grounds of the Martin Luther King Middle School. The City Librarian stressed that she had only had a brief discussion with the school's Principal Mr., James Taylor concerning possible location of the Portola Branch Library on an unused playground space at the rear of the school property and that no discussions had been held with school district officials so far on this matter. Ms. Hildreth pointed out that choosing to share a site with a school could place this project in the highest priority for funding category under Prop. 14, State Library Construction and Improvement Bond's proposed regulations and could provide substantial benefit for the neighborhood as well.
Public comment on Agenda item#5 BRANCH LIBRARY SITE SELECTION REPORT (Portola Branch Library)
Ms. Chris Ortiz, member of the Council on Neighborhood Libraries representing the Portola Branch Library, expressed concerns with the Boys and Girls Club location, noting that the club did not serve all of the neighborhood's children. She additionally had concerns that any MOU between the Library and the Boys and Girls Club would have to be very carefully spelled out to protect the rights of library users. Ms. Ortiz was intrigued by the possibility of locating the branch library on the grounds of the Martin Luther King Middle Schools noting that she had some concerns about each of the other proposed sites. Ms. Ortiz noted that the community had spent a very long time without library services and that for the many children and youth in the neighborhood this had been a great hardship. An anonymous member of the public observed that this was a very isolated neighborhood with a particularly great need for a library. This individual also commented that there were very great concerns with any lease back proposal and that there had been an implicit promise in Prop. A that these new branch libraries would be city owned facilities. The anonymous member of the public also noted problems inherent in the proposed site B as it was comprised of two lots that could be more expensive to acquire. Mr. Peter Warfield expressed reservations about any proposed shared facilities, noting that they were sure to be more complex and difficult to manage. Mr. Warfield asked what would happen if there was a need to end the relationship with the library? He noted that the Library might have to find a new tenant, and what would be the financial implications should this arrangement not work out. Secondly, Mr. Warfield raised a larger question that had been mentioned by previous speakers concerning replacement facilities for these branch libraries while they were being replaced or undergoing renovation. Mr. Warfield noted that he had heard no promise that there would be substitute library services in place during these projects and he requested that there be a clear commitment made to do so.
Commission comment on Agenda item #5 BRANCH LIBRARY SITE SELECTION REPORT (Portola Branch Library)
Commissioner Coulter noted that it would always be his preference that the new libraries be located in city owned facilities. Commissioner Streets agreed that shared facilities could lead to problems and complications. The City Librarian commented that the concept of partnership was worthy of examination and that there were many attractive opportunities for very beneficial relationships particularly regarding the entirely new branch facilities. In response to a question by Commissioner Coulter, the Portola Branch Library Librarian Roz Chang explained that while the current corner location was attractive and highly accessible there were continual concerns with the very heavy traffic in the area posing a serious potential risk for library users. Ms. Chang expressed her appreciation for the valuable contributions that neighborhood residents were making to the search for the new site and noted that this neighborhood both wanted and deserved a new branch library facility.
MOTION: By Commissioner Bautista, seconded by Commissioner Swig to authorize the Department of Administrative Services, Real Estate Division to negotiate and enter into purchase agreements with the property owners of the proposed Portola Branch Library sites and bring its recommendations for the selection of a Portola Branch site to the Library Commission for its consideration, review, and approval.
ACTION: Aye 4-0 (Bautista, Coulter, Streets, and Swig)
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Agenda item #5 BRANCH LIBRARY SITE SELECTION REPORT
(Ingleside branch Library)
Mr. Dunn then discussed in great detail the four potential locations for a replacement for the current Ingleside Branch library. Mr. Dunn noted the first location, Site A was the current location of the branch library in the former Bank of America Building at 1649 Ocean Avenue and was a favorite of many of the neighborhood residents. Mr. Dunn noted that the concern here was if it could be purchased for a fair market price. He noted that the full site would provide more space if fully renovated than the current leased space in the same building.
Mr. Dunn identified Site B as the Sunset Auto facility at 1250 Ocean Avenue, noted that this site could accommodate a 7,000 sq. ft. facility, and noted that this location got the 2nd highest number of votes at the community meeting held to discuss potential branch library locations. Mr. Dunn reported however that there were concerns with potential toxic substances existing on this auto repair facility site. In response to questions regarding providing parking at the new branch facilities posed by Commissioner Streets, Mr. Dunn replied that this site would provide room for some spaces but as city policy called for "Transit First" providing parking had not been a priority issue in considering potential branch library locations.
Mr. Dunn described Site C as 1945-1957 Ocean Avenue, occupied by Ramallah Hall.
He identified Site D as 1801-1815 Ocean Avenue, the Red Roof/Church site, as a potential location with a 14,000-sq. ft. lot. Mr. Dunn noted that there was varying neighborhood support for each of these potential locations, some of which were regarded as blights on the neighborhood which could be eliminated by replacing them with the branch library.
Public comment on Agenda item#5 BRANCH LIBRARY SITE SELECTION REPORT (Ingleside Branch Library)
Mr. Dan Weaver, Friends of the New Ingleside Library, noted that the existing historic bank of America Building was the overwhelming choice of the neighborhood for the location of the branch library. Mr. Weaver noted that the adjoining storefront could provide space for the library to operate during the period when the main Bank of America Building was being renovated to be the permanent home of the branch library. Mr. Weaver then in turn discussed the pluses and minuses of each of the other potential locations noting opportunities and problems existing with each of them. In particular, he noted the toxic clean up problem at Sunset Auto location and the potential opportunities/problems with the other sites that represented in some ways derelict locations in the neighborhood. Mr. Weaver also urged the Commissioners to consider a design competition that would maximize opportunity for use of natural light and other building enhancements in the new branch library. Mr. Weaver noted that it was important that the community have a substitute library in place should the Bank of America facility be chosen as the permanent site for the Ingleside Branch Library. Mr. Al Lewis noted that he had been a longtime supporter of the Library and that he strongly supported retaining the historic Bank of America building as the location of the Ingleside Branch Library. Mr. Lewis reported that the other proposed locations didn't match up and that several of them were definitely not for sale. Mr. Lewis noted that since the Ingleside Branch had opened in June the community had been very happy with it. He further commented the Library should consider that in two years when the Muni Ocean Avenue transit improvements are finished and amenities such as trees have been installed that this site will be the prime location in the community. Mr. Lewis also formally requested that the Commission authorize the installation of a community bulletin board in the new Ingleside Branch Library as requested by the community. Ms. Regina Blosser, a community activist who had attended many neighborhood meetings about the library, expressed concern that choosing the Bank of America Building could expose the Library to price gouging by the property owner, who she reported had bought the building a short time ago for $700,000 and was now asking that the Library pay millions for the property. Ms. Blosser reminded the Commissioners to remember the hard times and not be taken advantage without considering other less expensive alternatives to the existing facility. An anonymous member of the public noted that this branch was most familiar to the Commissioners as this branch library had been extensively discussed prior to the signing of a 10 year lease to move into the current location. This individual noted that when it had been pointed out that Ocean Avenue was going to undergo an extensive construction program that it had been denied and of course now Ocean Avenue is extensively under reconstruction. This person noted that the character of the neighborhood changes drastically from one end of Ocean Avenue to the other and perhaps the best place for the library would be in the middle. Mr. Peter Warfield asked two questions regarding likely substantial costs to lease temporary space for temporary library sites when the branch library is undergoing construction and regarding what investigations have been done and what costs identified when these questions have been raised.
Commission comment on Agenda item #5 BRANCH LIBRARY SITE SELECTION REPORT (Ingleside Branch Library)
In response to a question by Commissioner Coulter, Mr. Dunn explained in some detail the various processes of review and stages of consideration when Real Estate identifies that there are potentially toxic substances on a property under consideration for purchase. He further responded to commissioner Coulter that undertaking this process significantly increased the costs involved and the amount of time needed to complete a project. The City Librarian discussed at some length the pros and cons of the current location noting that the Library had already made extensive tenant improvements to the property in the course of moving in as the temporary branch library location. She commented that choosing an entirely new building provided the best opportunity to get exactly what the community wanted in a new library facility. In response to a query by Commissioner Bautista, Ms. Hildreth noted that the Library had a 10-year lease on the Bank of America Building.
MOTION: By Commissioner Bautista, seconded by Commissioner Streets to authorize the Department of Administrative Services, Real Estate Division to negotiate and enter into purchase agreements with the property owners of the proposed Ingleside Branch Library sites and bring its recommendations for the selection of a Ingleside Branch site to the Library Commission for its consideration, review, and approval.
ACTION: Aye 4-0 (Bautista, Coulter, Streets, and Swig)
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Agenda item # 7 FRIENDS AND FOUNDATION REPORT
None offered
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Agenda Item #8 LIBRARY LABOR UNION REPORT
None offered
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Agenda item #8 NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Bautista called attention to an ad for the New Main to New Millennium Exhibit that had been included in Water Department billing and expressed her appreciation for the Water Department's doing so.
Public comment on Agenda item #9 NEW BUSINESS
An anonymous member of the public noted that this person had also received the ad in their water bill as well.
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Agenda item #10 PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Rodney Taylor of Potrero Hill expressed his enjoyment of the Library and his appreciation for the wide array of services offered and expressed his strong support for the effort by the Library to hire a collection agency to recover lost materials. Mr. Taylor indicated disappointment that the members of the Board of Supervisors had not allowed the Library this option in its efforts to get back overdue items. An anonymous member of the public thanked the previous speaker for his comments, but expressed a wish that he had studied the issue further so that he would better understand the controversy and the good discussion which took place at the Board of Supervisors. The anonymous member of the public called the Commissioners' attention to the fact that some of this individual's writings on library related topics had again been selected for inclusion in a published anthology of "alternative" library literature. This person further noted that this individual's work had been previously chosen three times, a rare accomplishment, for inclusion in published alternative library literature. The anonymous member of the public reported that this literature offer a vibrant discussion of the issues.
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Agenda Item #11 ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: by Commissioner Bautista, seconded by Commissioner Streets that the meeting be adjourned
ACTION: AYE 4-0 (Bautista, Coulter, Streets, and Swig)
The meeting was adjourned at 6:48PM.
Michael Housh, Commission Secretary 9/18/01
The number of members of the public who spoke anonymously at this meeting 1.